Lucic-Baroni earns more kudos after Pliskova win

Tennis players and celebrities share their joy at her win and pos

Published Jan 25, 2017

"This has truly made my life...it has made it okay." #LucicBaroni #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SeE9ePoqOo
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2017

As Rennae Stubbs said, Mirjana Lucic-Baroni is “perseverance personified.”’

A career that’s been interrupted so many times over the years has turned a corner for the top. At 34 years old, Lucic-Baroni has reached the Australian Open semifinals after a surprising three-set win over US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova.

The Croat's on-court interview after the victory left those watching feeling all sorts of emotions, inside the tennis world and out.

Former world No. 1 Dinara Safina said the win couldn’t happen to a better person.

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OMG I have tears 😭 in my eyes... I'm so proud of her! She deserved it more than everyone! She is the best person on tour! Keep going 🤞 https://t.co/jgfds8B5ac
— Dinara Safina (@Dinarik27) January 25, 2017

Hall of Famer Tracy Austin was crying along, too.

Couldn't be happier for such a deserving semi-finalist! Tears flowing right along w #LucicBaroni. What a story!!! Congrats👏
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) January 25, 2017

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Ashleigh Barty, who’s in the midst of a comeback herself, had this to say:

Mirjana you are an inspiration 😍
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) January 25, 2017

Irina Falconi knows everyone should take note of Lucic-Baroni's story, whether they’re an athlete or not.

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Wow. Lucic-Baroni exemplifies that one must never, ever, EVER give up on their dreams. What a moment for her! #AusOpen
— Irina Falconi (@IrinaFalconi) January 25, 2017

The International Tennis Hall of Fame offered a little historical perspective on what happened.

Left: Lucic-Baroni, 17 y/o Semifinalist at WImbledon.
Right: Lucic-Baroni, 34 y/o Semifinalist at #AusOpen.
How can you not love this sport? pic.twitter.com/ikVNCTjeX1
— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) January 25, 2017

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Everyone watching was right there with you, Caroline Garcia.

Mirjana 🙌🏼🙏🏼☺️
Best on court interview ever, so many emotions. I couldn't hold back tears of happiness 🙃 ! #LucicBaroni #AusOpen https://t.co/TmyrlVjO8v
— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) January 25, 2017

Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox even weighed in, feeling particularly moved.

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#LucicBaroni what a moving moment! Your testimony and resilience is so moving. Congrats on your trip to the semi finals. #AusOpen
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) January 25, 2017

Lucic-Baroni's fairy tale continues in the semifinals against Serena Williams (who knocked out Johanna Konta in straight sets).

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